China is advancing its carrier capabilities. Is this a sign China does not seek war with America and its allies?
This is apparently significant in a scary way:
The Chinese People’s Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) has demonstrated its ability to launch and recover aircraft from its first catapult-equipped aircraft carrier, the Fujian. Official imagery released by the PLAN today confirms that the new J-35 naval stealth fighters and KJ-600 airborne early warning and control aircraft are carrying out carrier trials, something that had not been seen until now.
This is what we see in action as part of China's major investment to build and use super carriers.
Years ago I said I almost felt sorry for China pursuing aircraft carriers given carrier vulnerability. I thought their first weak carriers would serve best as a distraction for the U.S. Navy as the PLA conquered Taiwan.
Since China has been accelerating its global trade network, I've wondered if China's aircraft carriers were really meant for peacetime power projection rather than sea control in a contest with the United States and its allies.
Heck, the fleet might be an expensive bauble to bolster the image of the Chinese Communist Party's power.
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NOTE: Picture from the article.
